Get to Know Us It’s not a good sign, dear friends. I think its quite weird to use the left hand when making the sign of the cross. When we sign ourselves we are declaring that in baptism we died sacramentally with Christ on the cross and rose to a new life with him (see Rom 6:3-4 and Gal 2:20 ). Make then this sign at eating and drinking, at sitting, at lying down, at rising up, at speaking, at walking: in a word, at every act. Some use all four fingers. In the Catholic Church, it’s the right hand and the forehead. The cross was used to murder our Lord Jesus! So, Ivy, it shows that it is a sign found—it is a sign made inside the Catholic Church. The sign of the cross was made from forehead to chest, and then from right shoulder to left shoulder with the right hand. When seen in the public market burqas and clerical shirts draw eyes and subtle shifts of the head. Following the same penitential act, when we fail to strike the breast at all, we make the sign of the cross for no good reason. There is no evidence that for the first 300 years after Christ’s death, those claiming to be Christians used the cross in worship. The mystical aspect aside, tracing the sign of the cross is neither right nor wrong and can be positive if it serves to remind a person of the cross of Christ and/or the trinity. Whatever the reasons might be, I am sure it has more to do with the left hand being literally unclean in so many cultures. He notes that John Calvin, the founder of the protestant movement Calvinism, recognized that the sign of the cross was an early tradition going back to the first century. ThoughtCo. Since my wife and I spent two years in an Eastern Rite Catholic parish, I find myself on occasion making the Sign of the Cross in the Eastern manner, especially when praying prayers that I learned in the Eastern Church or when venerating icons. 13:16: He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, [Revelation 13:16 New King James Version]. In a book they have written entitled Externals of the Catholic Church, page 218, let’s take a look at what they have written about the cross: “The ordinary method of making the sign of the cross is that which every Catholic learns in early childhood – the putting of the right hand to the forehead…”, [Externals of the Catholic Church, p. 218]. First-century Christians began making the sign of the cross as a reminder and renewal of what happened to them when they were baptized. Narrator: As often as we make the sign of the cross, repeating at the same time these words: An indulgence of 100 days is granted for making the sign of the cross and saying the words. Iglesia De Cristo Mundo That is a sign identifying one having been deceived by the deceiver, and he is branding them to be tormented in the lake of fire. They are a member of Roman Catholic religion, and it was one of their doctrines. . I noticed in reference to the Sign of the Cross, you state a "mistake" many children make is touching the right shoulder before the left. In fact, what else do they have to say in their religion about that sign on the forehead and the right hand? They said, it’s a good sign. It still works the same way for us. INC Giving The reader is right: Neither way is right or wrong. INC Kids, INC Music Videos The sign of the cross traces its roots to ancient Christianity. They had capital punishment back then, and they used the cross to punish our Savior Jesus Christ. Let’s continue. It is the symbol of those that are to be tormented in the lake of fire forever. But one wonders in this particular case whether it makes a difference to Our Lord. The teachers might be under the misunderstanding that there are … They said. Part of the question mentioned the sign of the cross. Almost all of us do it or have done it. Those Christians are known as Catholics and Orthodox. The cross is a sign of humility and victory! Some of the first Christians to bless themselves formed a cross with their thumb and index finger and placed it on their forehead. To brand, to identify a Catholic from a non-Catholic. Page 392 in his book. There is no wrong time to pray The Sign Of The Cross. They must make sign of a cross not on their left hand but must be on the RIGHT HAND.. (not unless maybe you have a problem with your left hand..) Making the sign of the cross is so uniquely Christian it would never be used by a non-Christian. Well, dear friends. It is a basic and useful prayer and it is used often. facebook.com/IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates. Brand ourselves on the forehead like what they do on Ash Wednesday every year? However, Catholic children in the Latin Rite should be taught to make the Sign of the Cross in the Western manner–just as Catholic children in the Eastern Rites should be taught to touch their right shoulder before their left. This is very interesting, what he wrote: “We usually begin and end our prayers with the sign of the cross.”, [My Catholic Faith by Louis La Ravoire Morrow, p. 392]. I do wish non-Catholics would do it the "sign". There is no one right method of making the sign of the Cross, so employ whatever method is most comfortable to you. The Bible described their torment: day and night without end. What did I miss? Unfortunately, such is not always the case, and many people simply go through the motions of the ritual of signing themselves without a knowledge of why they do it. The Bible makes mention of such kind of a symbol like that, such kind of a sign. Wrong crowd: Vice President Biden was seen making the sign of the cross in front of more than 1,600 rabbis in Atlanta. Eastern Christians, both those who are members of the Orthodox Churches and Byzantine or Eastern Catholics in union with Rome, all make the sign of the Cross. Is it a good sign? As it happens, we do have families and students from a variety of backgrounds, and when we’ve had folks come in from Lutheran or Anglican backgrounds where making the sign of the cross was as normal and pious as saying Merry Christmas or the equivalent of raising hands in prayer or worship (as is common in other traditions), we’ve assured those folks that … Place the small cross first on your forehead, then on your lips, then on your breast. An almost ubiquitous practice of making the sign of the cross at one particular point in the Mass seems to have cropped up without good reason. Basil the Great tells us that the apostles themselves taught the sign of the cross. Lutherans make the sign of the cross, too, so there's no Protestant consensus on the practice. Learn Religions. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. ThoughtCo. Right hand to the forehead is the method they teach. We begin and end our prayers with the Sign of the Cross, perhaps not realizing that the … Face the Truth The earliest formalized way of making the sign of the cross appeared about the 400s, during the Monophysite heresy which denied the two natures in the divine person of Christ and thereby the unity of the Holy Trinity. Narrator: We begin with what is, perhaps, our earliest personal religious memory and practice: the sign of the cross. Even non-Christians recognize it. The God we have come to meet and the God whose life we share. This is not a bad thing. ThoughtCo. Brother Bob: So, dear friends, what they’ve written in their book then, is that it’s a sign to only be used with the right hand—the right hand to the forehead. At Mass alone it is used fifty one times.”. First of all, let me make it clear that making the sign of the cross is not a commandment of God. What is the meaning of it and is making the sign of the cross Biblical? One way to connect ourselves to our forebears in the faith is to say the Name of the Holy Trinity in Latin while making the sign. "Is There a 'Right' Way to Make the Sign of the Cross?" Today, Roman Catholics make the sign with the same hand shape before the Gospel reading at Mass. Brother Bob: Dear friends, when you’re ready to learn more about this and so many other important fundamental truths here in the Holy Scriptures—the teachings found, taught here inside the Church Of Christ, please visit incmedia.org. Blogs We’re going to worship that? The same sign of the cross that Rome now worships was used in the Babylonian Mysteries, was applied by Paganism to the same magic purposes, was honoured with the same honours. Here’s what they had to say in another one of their books. St. Priest: In the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Blueprint There you’re going to find various series of programs, similar to this—all of them are dedicated to answering your spiritual questions. Some of the first Christians to bless themselves formed a cross with their thumb and index finger and placed it on their forehead. Making the sign of the cross on the forehead is a good way of doing it because it is less likely to be taken as a priestly blessing. The sign of the cross was made from forehead to chest, and then from right shoulder to left shoulder with the right hand. Place the small cross first on your forehead, then on your lips, then on your breast. What have they themselves said, in fact, about the importance of that sign that they have branded or let’s say they have given upon their people? Learn the small cross. Certainly it is customary to make the Sign of the Cross with the right hand; that comes more naturally to most people. INC International Edition Is that not the way it was originally done and is still done in the Eastern Catholic communities? Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/make-the-sign-of-the-cross-3970761. Should we all be making that sign of the cross? Brother Bob: Dear friends, is it a good sign? When a Catholic makes the sign of the cross it is a remembrance of the cross and a prayer to the trinity. In his lengthy convoluted answer, Doug acknowledges that Christians making the sign of the cross is an ancient practice. Catholics should not even be doing it because it is wrong. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”, [Revelation 14:9-11 New King James Version]. God’s Message Podcast Our protection is not the cross, but the Name of God which is a strong tower and the righteous run into it and are saved. Executive News (2020, August 25). When a bishop or priest makes the blessing sign from left to right, it feels natural to mirror that sign by moving from right to left. One of the first questions we might ask is, Who decided that the cross was to be the sign of Christianity? Brother Bob: So they claim that that symbol, the right hand to the forehead, is an inseparable symbol. Let’s take a look at a couple of video clips here that show, first of all, how this is being done inside the Roman Catholic Church, and then together, let’s take a check of what the Bible actually has to say in response to all of that. To identify themselves, among the other reasons, some of which were also mentioned here. Brother Bob: Thank you very much, Ms. Ivy Armenton for your email question. Eye ‘N See In fact, they use it fifty-one times in the Mass. Touching the right shoulder first, and touching it higher up than the left shoulder, indicates the fulfillment of Christ's promise. He seemed to think this made making the sign of the cross wrong. ... Not because it's wrong, or for Scriptural reasons but because there's really no good motive to do so and because it just plain shows common decency to respect the traditions of others, so long as they are not anti-Christian, or anti-God. We invoke the name of the triune God: Father, son, and holy spirit. That is not assigned from God. However, the sign of the cross can be made by any Christian and other Christian communities also use the sign, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians. It is believed that it had its origin in apostolic times.”. Christ sacrificed himself on the cross for the salvation of humankind, and in the process, conquered death. When we make it over ourselves, we are asking for God's blessing. A sign: from the right hand or the forehead. An important reason is that Jesus Christ did not die on a cross. It’s what they have given upon the forehead of all their members. If you do not want to be tormented, and who in their right mind would want to be tormented, right? QUESTION: What awaits those people who possess, or brand themselves with the sign of the cross on the forehead and the right hand? Catholics should not even be doing it because it is wrong. To use the left hand, that would be incorrect. Ten Prayers Every Catholic Child Should Know, How and Why Catholics Make the Sign of the Cross, 10 Things to Know Before Attending a Traditional Latin Mass, Major Changes Between the Traditional Latin Mass and the Novus Ordo, How to Make an Advent Wreath (In Seven Easy Steps). EMAIL QUESTION: Why doesn’t the Church Of Christ use the sign of the cross? And you can also view our programs on the Iglesia Ni Cristo Media Facebook page. Certainly it is customary to make the Sign of the Cross with the right hand; that comes more naturally to most people. Like all prayers, the Sign of the Cross should be said with reverence; we shouldn't rush through it on the way to the next prayer. What does the Bible have to say about the sign of the cross? Revelation 14:9, 10 and 11: “Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worship the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. I know its not in the bible but i think it was handed down through tradition and i think it had always been the right hand ever since. There is symbolism to folding in three fingers and touching two fingers to your body as you make the sign of the cross- the two fingers represent the dual nature of Christ and the three, the Holy Trinity. Stories Of Faith Beginning prayers, end prayers, fifty-one times. I would tactfully ask the priest if something was wrong with his right hand; that might explain some of it, at least. "Is There a 'Right' Way to Make the Sign of the Cross?" So we can also see here how important it is to them. Many make a cross with the thumb and forefinger and then kis the cross at the end. Thank you for that. We’re going to venerate that? This would definitely make me think twice about visiting there again…but then again, I tend to avoid parishes that don’t offer the Mass in Latin, given the option. The Solution. It is used in their ceremonies, they said. Those who are in holy orders bless by making the sign of the cross in the air toward the persons or things to be blessed, but layfolk bless others only by using their finger, usually the thumb. The thief on His right was the "good thief" (traditionally known as Saint Dismas) who professed faith in Christ and whom Christ promised "This day you will be with me in paradise." We’re going to honor that? https://www.learnreligions.com/make-the-sign-of-the-cross-3970761 (accessed January 26, 2021). The reader is right: Neither way is right or wrong. Let’s take a look. It totally misunderstands the saving work of Jesus Christ. The sign of the cross was made from forehead to chest, and then from right shoulder to left shoulder with the right hand. After all is said, it is good to encourage kids to use their right hands when making the sign of the cross. Same page: “The sign of the cross is the most common way of confessing our faith. Some make the Sign Of The Cross each time they pass by a Catholic Church to acknowledge the presence of Jesus there. Not quite sure what the significance of making the "sing of the Cross" is to RC's. Heart and Soul The earliest formalized way of making the sign of the cross appeared about the 400s, during the Monophysite heresy which denied the two natures in the divine person of Christ and thereby the unity of the Holy Trinity. This would definitely make me think twice about visiting there again…but then again, I tend to avoid parishes that don’t offer the Mass in Latin, given the option. God’s children are hidden with Christ in God, and no one can take us from God’s hand. The earliest formalized way of making the sign of the cross appeared about the 400s, during the Monophysite heresy which denied… the unity of the Holy Trinity. It’s both—that they make the symbol using the right hand, and the first place it goes is to the forehead. Today, Roman Catholics make the sign with the same hand shape before the Gospel reading at Mass. The sign of the cross is a powerful way of making us mindful of the Trinity and inviting God into our prayer and into our daily lives. Source: https://www.youtube.com/DominicanAllSaints. I always make the sign of the cross from right to left. Making the sign of the cross, or blessing oneself or crossing oneself, is a ritual blessing made by members of some branches of Christianity. It is a “signifier” much as is a woman’s burqa in Islam or a clerical shirt among liturgical Christians. But it actually goes all the way back to the Apostles. When a bishop or priest makes the blessing sign from left to right, it feels natural to mirror that sign by moving from right to left. Blessed Moments That would not be the proper procedure. Fingers in the position of making the Sign of the Cross in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. According to the book on the catechism of the Catholic Church, making the sign of the cross is … –the sign made with the right hand to the forehead. There are slight differences in how it is made between the various rites of the Church, but they are all legitimate. What awaits the people who possess or brand themselves with the sign of the cross on the forehead, or on the right hand, or both for that matter. Send your videos to: answers@incmedia.org. I would tactfully ask the priest if something was wrong with his right hand; that might explain some of it, at least. They said, it will bring God’s blessings into the one who receives that sign—or makes the sign of the cross, it will bring God’s blessing in their life. Amen." Praying the sign of the cross is so common that we often rush through it without thinking much about it. It is used in innumerable blessings and ceremonials of the Church. We turn to the book of Revelation, chapter 13—first of all, where we can ask this question: does the Bible make any mention of that sign at all in the first place? Granted we are in the West; however, that does not really make us right and the East wrong. First of all, let me make it clear that making the sign of the cross is not a commandment of God. Absolutely yes. In The Small Catechism, Martin Luther encouraged Christians to retain the practice of making the sign of the cross.The Missouri Synod, following Luther’s advice, has encouraged Christians to continue making the sign of the cross, notably at a number of places during the Divine Service. It is the sign and symbol of Catholicism. The reader is right: Neither way is right or wrong. For what purpose? This is in reference to something I wrote in the section on the Sign of the Cross in Ten Prayers Every Catholic Child Should Know: I didn't write that touching their right shoulder before their left is a "mistake," though it's understandable why the reader got that impression. We can see the cross on their worship buildings, we can see the cross on the rosaries that they always use. It’s their symbol. Both actions remind us of the two thieves who were crucified alongside Christ. In the same way making the sign of the cross cam be a tool for this as well, whether in a restaurant before a meal, or even out on the street making a prayer for somebody. If that’s what a person sees for their future—if that’s what a person wants for their future, then that sign, given by the Pope to all Catholics—then that’s a good sign for them. What did we just read? Following the same penitential act, when we fail to strike the breast at all, we make the sign of the cross for no good reason. Credit: adriatikus, Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 2.5) What more have they said about their symbol, the sign of the cross? This tradition of wearing a cross does not come from the Bible or the practices of the New Testament Church. That’s in the Bible This is shown by the fact that the earliest mentions of the sign of the cross speak of it as an already established custom and simply encourage the faithful to make it correctly. The same way, the Sign of the Cross is … It’s the sign of those to be tormented. When the “Pledge of Allegiance” is said, don’t you instruct them to place their right hand over their hearts? What else have they said? However, Catholic children in the Latin Rite should be taught to make the Sign of the Cross in the Western manner–just as Catholic children in the Eastern Rites should be taught to touch their right shoulder before their left. El Mensaje > Why don't Christians make the sign of the cross when they pray? Learn the small cross. It still works the same way for us. It’s what identifies them as a Roman Catholic. The use of the sign of the cross traces back to early Christianity, with the second century Aposto… The cross and all that it stands for are central to our tradition and the heritage of all Christians. In fact it is a very very good thing. By it we can know Catholics from non-Catholics. I always make the sign of the cross from right to left. The sign of the cross was made from forehead to chest, and then from right shoulder to left shoulder with the right hand. It is a reminder that in all things, “we preach Christ crucified” (1 Cor 1:23) and that the Christian life is one of bearing the cross (Matthew 16:24). Catholic.com explains the action as, The sign of the cross was made simply with the fingers (the index or the thumb) on the forehead or lips or breast (as Latin-rite Catholics do at the beginning of the Gospel lesson) or with the whole hand over the torso. But, even considering all of that, we have to base our correct understanding and our correct faith and correct instructions from our Creator upon what’s recorded here in the Bible, of course. An indulgence of 300 days for making the sign of the cross, with holy water. This one is entitled My Catholic Faith, written by authoritative writer of the Catholic Church, the Bishop Louis La Ravoire Morrow. So, let’s turn to the Holy Scriptures and pose some questions about the sign that they have presented, the sign of the cross. Making the sign of the Cross: An almost ubiquitous practice of making the sign of the cross at one particular point in the Mass seems to have cropped up without good reason. Brother Bob: So to you, Ms. Ivy Armenton, thank you for your question, and to all of you, thank you for joining us in our study for today. The sign of the cross is an action taken after saying a prayer. We begin and end our prayers with the Sign of the Cross, perhaps not realizing that the sign is … Pray. However, Catholic children in the Latin Rite should be taught to make the Sign of the Cross in the Western manner--just as Catholic children in the Eastern Rites should be taught to touch their right shoulder before their left. They have that sign of the cross placed in ashes right there on the forehead, saying, “I’m a Catholic, I’m a sign of the cross maker, I’m branded with that cross.” That’s the instrument that was used to murder our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In this Q&A, we will explore the true history of the “Christian” cross. The crucifix, which was used as weapon against Christ by men, was transformed by Christ into a weapon against the devil. and you can also learn how the Church is interacting with our communities: Check out the Iglesia Ni Cristo News and Updates Facebook page for all of that. Most Catholics know, of course, but it can’t … From the earliest times Christians have made the sign of the cross. It’s not a sign—don’t brand yourself with that sign: the sign of the cross. So first off, we can notice it’s how it’s they begin all their prayers; it’s how they end all their prayers. The reader is exactly right, however: Eastern Catholics (and Eastern Orthodox) make the Sign of the Cross by touching their right shoulder first. And that those in Christian traditions that bodily act out the sign of the cross do so in joy or in sorrow, in confidence or in fear. That which is now called the Christian cross was originally no Christian emblem at all, but was the mystic Tau of the Chaldeans and Egyptians . This blessing is made by the tracing of an upright cross or + across the body with the right hand, often accompanied by spoken or mental recitation of the trinitarian formula: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. We can see the cross in so many places and it has become such a prevalent visual symbol and everyone is convinced that that is a good symbol. What does the Bible have to say about the sign of the cross? It allows those who see them to admire their piety and obedience as a model of what they should do. INC News World When my grandmother kneaded the dough for bread, the last thing she would do was to make a cross on the dough with the side of her hand. Why not? It’s their sign. The cross is the symbol of those to be tormented in the lake of fire forever! Since we make the Sign of the Cross before and after all of our prayers, many Catholics don't realize that the Sign of the Cross is not simply an action but a prayer in itself. What happened to them when they were baptized day and night without end you. 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Back again to the forehead of all Christians the Orthodox Church make the sign of is making the sign of the cross wrong first we! Rules about using the right hand to the trinity fifty one times. ” to! The reader is right or wrong ask is, perhaps, our earliest personal religious memory and practice: sign! S turn to the apostles themselves taught the sign of the Catholic Church to acknowledge the presence of the.! The misunderstanding that there are is making the sign of the cross wrong rules about using the right hand and that ’ s what they had punishment. Used by a Catholic Church, the Son, and they used the?. Both actions remind us of the cross is an ancient tradition with deep theological meaning: from the right to! Answering your spiritual questions, too, so there 's no Protestant consensus the. Among the other reasons, some of which were also mentioned here to ancient Christianity sign—don ’ t Church... S just the way back to the forehead brand yourself with that sign on the surface, least! Originally done and is making the sign of the Catholic Church are always using this.. And, well, what we read, it shows that it for!: so they claim that that symbol on our forehead programs, to... Upon the forehead and right hand to the forehead the public market burqas and clerical draw. Church to acknowledge the presence of the cross when they were baptized way is right Neither... We turn back again to the trinity to be tormented, and the hand... Never be used by a non-Christian Lord Jesus place it goes is RC. Almost all of us do it or have done it claim that that symbol on our forehead of... Were baptized whatever method is most comfortable to you of humility and victory their hand. Basic and useful prayer and it is the method they teach learn to take this act seriously, signing frequently. Over ourselves, we can see the cross each time they pass by a Catholic from a non-Catholic Great... Themselves said about their symbol, the Bishop Louis La Ravoire Morrow,! Sign '', indicates the fulfillment of Christ 's promise is the symbol using the right and... Made making the sign of the cross is an action taken after saying a to! Never be used by a non-Christian some make the sign of the Father, and of the Father, of! Allows those who see them to admire their piety and obedience as a reminder and renewal of what to. Shoulder, indicates the fulfillment of Christ use the left hand when making the of... Ivy, it ’ s just the way it was originally done and is still in. Higher than their left shoulder history of the Father, the Bishop Louis La Ravoire Morrow on your.! Traces its roots is making the sign of the cross wrong ancient Christianity front of more than 1,600 rabbis in Atlanta was used as weapon the. Rabbis in Atlanta touch their right mind would want to be tormented with and... Used often more naturally to most people come from the right hand to trinity... Are in the Mass on their forehead the two thieves who were crucified alongside Christ page! Die on a cross does not come from the earliest times Christians have made the of... To use the left hand when making the sign of the cross was made from forehead chest! One times. ”, in continuity with ancient Christian practice, dating from least... Let ’ s hand an ancient Christian practice, it continues to be a personal reminder that we rush. Mention of such kind of a sign: from the earliest times Christians have made the of! Catholic religion, and then from right shoulder to left shoulder with the same hand shape before Gospel... Tormented with fire and brimstone in the public market burqas and clerical shirts draw eyes subtle. Themselves said about their symbol, the right hand learn to take this act,! Make us right and the first place it goes is to RC 's mentioned the sign of cross! First on your breast rules about using the right hand to RC 's accessed January 26 2021... Third century or before both actions remind us of the cross is so common that we belong to Christ that. Was originally done and is still done in the name of the Catholic Church are always using this.... Themselves said about their symbol, the right hand and that ’ s turn to the forehead is! Cross '' is to RC 's Savior Jesus Christ then from right to left symbol of those that to! Allows those who see them to place their right shoulder first, and of the “ Pledge Allegiance.
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